What Do You Know About Acne?

Acne is the most common skin disease in the U.S. Test your knowledge of acne by taking this quiz.

1. What part of the skin does acne affect?

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Glands at the base of hair follicles make oil. The oil travels up the hair shaft. Oil trapped inside follicles causes acne.

A. EpidermisB. EndodermisC. Hair folliclesD. Hair shaft

2. Where does acne most often show up?

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Acne also often shows up on the chest. It can also appear on the buttocks.

A. FaceB. BackC. ShouldersD. All of the above

3. Which of these causes acne?

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Hormones, your genes, greasy makeup, and certain medicines are more likely to cause skin blemishes. Pimples are not caused by dirty skin, or by eating pizza or chocolate. But recent studies say that sugar in your diet may affect acne. Stress does not cause acne. But stress can make acne worse. A bacteria called P. acnes may also play a role.

A. Not keeping skin cleanB. Not eating a healthy dietC. Not getting exerciseD. None of the above

4. Which of these things makes it more likely that blackheads will form?

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Dead skin cells are shed quickly inside the follicles during the teen years. The dead cells mix with oil in the glands and block follicles. This causes blackheads or pimples.

A. BacteriaB. ChocolateC. Clogged folliclesD. Dirty skin

5. Which of these hormones triggers acne in adolescents?

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During adolescence androgen causes the oil glands at the base of follicles to get larger. The glands also make more sebum. Glands affected by the hormone are more likely to develop acne.

A. AndrogenB. EstrogenC. EndorphinD. Norepinephrine

6. Acne can be treated with which of these?

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Dermatologists have several goals in treating acne:

Heal the existing acne

Stop new acne from forming

Stop scarring

Ease the stress and embarrassment that acne can cause

A. Skin cleansersB. Oral antibioticsC. Oral vitamin A medicinesD. All of the above

7. Some cosmetics and skin products can make acne worse. What kind of cosmetic is least likely to do so?

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You should make sure all of your makeup is oil-free. This includes everything from eye shadow to hair care products. Choose products that are labeled noncomedogenic or that say they will not clog pores.

When your skin is exposed to the sun, it can become dry and irritated. This can trigger your skin to make more oil. Sun exposure also raises the risk for acne scaring. Many acne treatments also make the skin vulnerable to UV damage. You should avoid spending a long time in the sun. When you do have to be in the sun, be sure to use sunscreen that is oil-free.

A. Clears up pimplesB. Boosts the amount of oil your skin makesC. Makes scars less visibleD. All of the above